a broader purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broader purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a larger or more inclusive goal or intention behind an action or idea. Example: "The organization aims to serve a broader purpose by addressing not only immediate needs but also long-term community development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

He also has a broader purpose.

The New York Times - Magazine

Zondi had a broader purpose than simple homage to Ashe.

The New York Times - Sports

Universal jurisdiction serves a broader purpose, Mr. Brody said.

The New York Times

Pittsburgh "has a culture of a broader purpose," says Zieger.

MIT Technology Review

There is a broader purpose to all this activity in developing countries.

The Guardian

There was a broader purpose to the foreign minister's timely remarks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

They follow in that all members of the organization serve a broader purpose--a valued set of ideals, a mutual sense of purpose.

Forbes

However, simply as a biobank can elaborate a broad purpose of 'research', and does not seek 'blanket consent' does not mean it has adequately fulfilled its obligations under 14(1)(b).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

SLC44A1 is ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, implying that it is involved in choline metabolism for a broad purpose, such as phospholipid synthesis [ 44- 47].

Breast Cancer Research

The hard lesson for us out of our own tragedy was that we haven't figured out how to give our young people a higher, broader purpose that would lead them in a better direction.

Huffington Post

But for Le Pen, the killing of Attal – even before any of the details were known – served a much broader purpose.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broader purpose", ensure the context clearly establishes the original, narrower purpose that is being expanded upon. This provides clarity and emphasizes the intended expansion of scope.

Common error

Avoid using "a broader purpose" when the intended meaning is simply 'a different purpose'. Using 'broader' implies an expansion or wider application of something already established, not a completely new direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broader purpose" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes an aim or objective that is more extensive or all-encompassing than a more limited or specific one. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a broader purpose" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an aim or objective that extends beyond an initial, more limited scope. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to emphasize the wider impact or implications of something. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news and media, science, and academia, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples. When using this phrase, it’s crucial to establish the initial, narrower purpose to highlight the intended expansion effectively. Be mindful not to use it interchangeably with 'a different purpose', as the latter implies a complete shift in direction rather than a widening of an existing one. Understanding these nuances ensures accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more comprehensive goal

Replaces "broader" with "more comprehensive", focusing on the completeness of the aim.

a more inclusive objective

Highlights the aspect of encompassing more elements or people.

an overarching objective

Substitutes "broader purpose" with "overarching objective", emphasizing the dominance of the aim.

a more extensive aim

Similar to "a wider scope", highlighting the reach of the purpose.

a wider scope

Focuses on the extent or range of the purpose rather than its depth.

a wider objective

Changes "purpose" to "objective", keeping "wider" to express the breadth.

a far-reaching intention

Emphasizes the long-term impact of the purpose.

a larger ambition

Replaces "purpose" with "ambition", suggesting a more aspirational goal.

a grander design

Implies a more elaborate and intentional plan behind the purpose.

a general goal

Focuses on the overarching nature of the objective.

FAQs

How can I use "a broader purpose" in a sentence?

You can use "a broader purpose" to indicate that something has a more extensive or inclusive goal than initially perceived. For instance, "The project serves "a broader purpose" by not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering long-term community development."

What's the difference between "a broader purpose" and "a specific goal"?

"A broader purpose" refers to an overarching aim or intention that encompasses multiple aspects or goals, while "a specific goal" is a clearly defined, targeted objective. A broader purpose provides context and direction for specific goals.

What can I say instead of "a broader purpose"?

You can use alternatives like "a more comprehensive goal", "an overarching objective", or "a wider scope" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a broader purpose"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that an action, initiative, or idea has implications or benefits that extend beyond its initial, more limited scope. It suggests a wider impact or applicability.